Methods, systems, and products for alternate audio sources

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for retrieving audio signals. A video signal is received that is associated with a content identifier and an alternate audio tag. In response to the alternate audio tag, a query is made for an alternate audio source that corresponds to the content identifier. A query result is received that identifies at least one alternate audio signal that corresponds to the content identifier and that is separately available from the video signal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/712,249, filed Feb. 28, 2007, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,272,008,incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Exemplary embodiments generally relate to communications, to interactivevideo, and to television and, more generally, to selection of multiplesources for audio inputs.

Alternate audio content is desirable. When a user receives audio-visualcontent (such as a movie, for example), the user may not be satisfiedwith the audio portion of that content. The audio portion may containoffensive language, undesirable dialog, or an unknown language. A commonsituation involves televised sporting events. When televised footballand baseball are watched, some people prefer to listen to differentannouncers for the play-by-play action. For whatever reasons, then, auser may prefer to receive and experience an alternate audio source thatprovides a different language track, sanitized dialog, and/or alternatecommentary. What is needed, then, are methods, systems, and productsthat search and retrieve alternate audio sources for video signals.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments provide methods, systems, and products forsearching, retrieving, and synchronizing alternate audio sources.Exemplary embodiments identify alternate audio content that may beseparately available from video content. When a user receives andwatches a movie, for example, exemplary embodiments permit the user toseek out and retrieve alternate audio content from the Internet, from anAM/FM radio broadcast, or from any other source. When the video contentis received, the video content may self-identify one or more alternateaudio sources that correspond to the video content. The video content,for example, may be tagged or embedded with websites, server addresses,frequencies, or other information that describe the alternate audiosources. Exemplary embodiments may even automatically query databaseservers (such as GOOGLE® and YAHOO®) for alternate audio sources thatcorrespond to the video content. Once the user selects an alternateaudio source, exemplary embodiments may then synchronize the videocontent and the separately-available alternate audio content. Becausethe video content and the alternate audio content may be received asseparate streams of data, either of the streams may lead or lag.Exemplary embodiments, then, may also synchronize theseparately-received streams of data to ensure a pleasing entertainmentexperience.

Exemplary embodiments include a method for retrieving an audio signal. Avideo signal is received that comprises a content identifier and analternate audio tag. In response to the alternate audio tag, a query issent for an alternate audio source that corresponds to the contentidentifier. This query may be automatically generated and sent, or thequery may be specifically requested by the viewer. A query result isreceived that identifies an audio signal that corresponds to the contentidentifier and that is separately received from the video signal.

More exemplary embodiments include a system for retrieving an audiosignal. A video signal is received that comprises a content identifierand an alternate audio tag. In response to the alternate audio tag, aquery is sent for an alternate audio source that corresponds to thecontent identifier. A query result is received that identifies an audiosignal that corresponds to the content identifier and that is separatelyreceived from the video signal.

Other exemplary embodiments describe a computer program product forretrieving an audio signal. The computer program product hasprocessor-readable instructions for receiving a video signal thatcomprises a content identifier and an alternate audio tag. In responseto the alternate audio tag, a query is sent for an alternate audiosource that corresponds to the content identifier. A query result isreceived that identifies an audio signal that corresponds to the contentidentifier and that is separately received from the video signal.

Other systems, methods, and/or computer program products according tothe exemplary embodiments will be or become apparent to one withordinary skill in the art upon review of the following drawings anddetailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems,methods, and/or computer program products be included within thisdescription, be within the scope of the claims, and be protected by theaccompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the exemplaryembodiments are better understood when the following DetailedDescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustrating an operating environment in whichexemplary embodiments may be implemented;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustrating a process for retrieving alternateaudio sources, according to more exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a schematic further illustrating a process for retrievingalternate audio, according to more exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustrating additional queries for alternateaudio sources, according to more exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustrating a user interface for retrievingalternate audio sources, according to more exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are schematics illustrating synchronization of signals,according to more exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustrating an electronic device, according tomore exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 9-14 are schematics illustrating additional operating environmentsin which exemplary embodiments may be implemented; and

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method of retrieving audiosignals, according to more exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafterwith reference to the accompanying drawings. The exemplary embodimentsmay, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete and will fully convey the exemplary embodiments to those ofordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein recitingembodiments, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended toencompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof.Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include bothcurrently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in thefuture (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function,regardless of structure).

Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill inthe art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the likerepresent conceptual views or processes illustrating the exemplaryembodiments. The functions of the various elements shown in the figuresmay be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well ashardware capable of executing associated software. Those of ordinaryskill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware,software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described hereinare for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limitedto any particular named manufacturer.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. Itwill be further understood that the terms “includes,” “comprises,”“including,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof It will be understood thatwhen an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” toanother element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the otherelement or intervening elements may be present. Furthermore, “connected”or “coupled” as used herein may include wirelessly connected or coupled.As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items.

It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc.may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements shouldnot be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguishone element from another. For example, a first device could be termed asecond device, and, similarly, a second device could be termed a firstdevice without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustrating an environment in which exemplaryembodiments may be implemented. A user's electronic device 20 receives avideo signal 22 from a communications network 24. The video signal 22may be a movie, sporting event, or any other content. The video signal22 may originate, or be received from, any source, such as a videoserver 26. The video signal 22 may have any formatting, and the videosignal 22 may be unicast, multicast, or broadcast to the electronicdevice 20. The video signal 22 may also originate from a local source,such as a DVD player, a digital or analog recorder, local memory, orother local source that may be accessible without the communicationsnetwork 24. Although the electronic device 20 is generically shown, theelectronic device 20, as will be later explained, may be a computer, aradio, a set-top receiver, a personal digital assistant (PDA), acordless/cellular/IP phone, digital music player, or any otherprocessor-controlled device.

The video signal 22 may include an alternate audio tag 28. According toexemplary embodiments, the alternate audio tag 28 may be any informationthat identifies alternate audio sources for the video signal 22. Thevideo signal 22 may include, or be received with, audio content orportions (such as an audio track to a movie). The user, however, maywish to experience an alternate audio source that is not sent with thevideo signal 22. The alternate audio source, for example, may be adifferent language track, sanitized dialog, an AM or FM radio broadcast,and/or alternate commentary. These alternate audio sources, in general,may be any audio signal that is separately received from the videosignal 22. As FIG. 1 illustrates, the video signal 22, and/or alternateaudio tag 28, may include a video content identifier 30. The videocontent identifier 30 may be any identification number, title, code, orother data that uniquely describes the content associated with the videosignal 22. The alternate audio tag 28 may be embedded within the videosignal 22 (or otherwise associated with the video signal 22) to alert ornotify users of these alternate audio sources.

The user's electronic device 20 receives the video signal 22. The user'selectronic device 20 also receives the alternate audio tag 28 and/or thevideo content identifier 30. The user's electronic device 20 comprises aprocessor 32 (e.g., “μP”), application specific integrated circuit(ASIC), or other similar device that may execute an alternate audioapplication 34 stored in memory 36. According to exemplary embodiments,the alternate audio application 34 comprises processor-executableinstructions that may inspect the video signal 22 for the alternateaudio tag 28 or otherwise identify the associated alternate audio tag28. The presence of the alternate audio tag 28 notifies the alternateaudio application 34 that alternate audio sources may exist for thevideo signal 22. When the alternate audio tag 28 is detected, thealternate audio application 34 may alert the user that alternate audiosources may exist for the video signal 22. The alternate audioapplication 34, for example, may cause the visual and/or audiblepresentation of a prompt 38 on a display device 40. The prompt 38notifies the user that alternate audio sources may exist. When the userwishes to retrieve an alternate audio source, the user may affirmativelyselect a control 42, thus authorizing the alternate audio application 34to query for the alternate audio sources.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustrating a process for retrieving alternateaudio sources, according to more exemplary embodiments. When the userwishes to retrieve an alternate audio source, the user affirmativelyresponds to the prompt (shown as reference numeral 38 in FIG. 1). Thealternate audio application 34 may call or invoke a search application50 to issue or send a query for any alternate audio sources associatedwith the video content identifier (Step 52). The query may communicate(via the communications network 24 illustrated in FIG. 1) to a databaseserver 54 (such as a YAHOO® or GOOGLE® server). The query mayadditionally or alternatively communicate to other devices in thevicinity of the user's electronic device 20. The query, for example, maybe sent via an infrared, BLUETOOTH®, WI-FI®, or other coupling to otherdevices within the user's social network.

A response is then received (Step 56). The response includes a queryresult that may include or describe a listing 58 of one or morealternate audio sources that may correspond to the video signal 22. Thelisting 58, for example, may describe one or more websites or networkaddresses that provide an alternate, simulcast or archived audio signalto accompany the video signal 22. The listing 58 may describe one ormore radio stations that broadcast an alternate audio signal (such asalternate announcers for a sporting event). The listing 58 may includereal-time or archived podcasts from a member of an audience. The listing58 may also include alternate audio sources obtainable from members ofthe user's social network.

The listing 58 is presented to the user (Step 60). The searchapplication 50 and/or the alternate audio application 34 may cause thelisting 58 to be displayed on the display device (illustrated asreference numeral 40 in FIG. 1). The user may then select an alternateaudio source from the listing 58, and that selection is received (Step62). According to exemplary embodiments, the alternate audio application34 causes an audio query to be sent for the selected alternate audiosource (Step 64). The audio query communicates (via the communicationsnetwork 24 illustrated in FIG. 1) to a communications address associatedwith a source of the selected alternate audio source. The audio query,for example, may communicate to an audio server. An audio signal is thenreceived at the user's electronic device 20 (Step 66). If the alternateaudio source is a terrestrial AM or FM radio station signal, then theuser's electronic device 20 may be tuned to the corresponding frequency(as later paragraphs will explain).

The user's electronic device 20 then processes signals. The user'selectronic device 20 thus receives the video signal (illustrated asreference numeral 22 in FIG. 1) and also receives the separate, audiosignal. The video signal and the audio signal may thus be separatelyreceived as separate streams of data. The user's electronic device 20then processes the video signal and the audio signal for visual andaudible presentation (Step 68).

Exemplary embodiments may be applied regardless of networkingenvironment. The communications network 24 may be a cable networkoperating in the radio-frequency domain and/or the Internet Protocol(IP) domain. The communications network 24, however, may also include adistributed computing network, such as the Internet (sometimesalternatively known as the “World Wide Web”), an intranet, a local-areanetwork (LAN), and/or a wide-area network (WAN). The communicationsnetwork 24 may include coaxial cables, copper wires, fiber optic lines,and/or hybrid-coaxial lines. The communications network 24 may eveninclude wireless portions utilizing any portion of the electromagneticspectrum, any modulation technique, and/or any signaling standard (suchas the I.E.E.E. 802 family of standards, GSM/CDMA/TDMA or any cellularstandard, and/or the ISM band). The concepts described herein may beapplied to any wireless/wireline communications network, regardless ofphysical componentry, physical configuration, or communicationsstandard(s).

FIG. 3 is a schematic further illustrating a process for retrievingalternate audio, according to more exemplary embodiments. Here, when thevideo signal (illustrated as reference numeral 22 in FIG. 1) is received(Step 80), the video signal may also identify the alternate audiosources. That is, when the alternate audio tag 28 is received, thelisting 58 of one or more alternate audio sources may also be embeddedor encoded within the video signal and/or the alternate audio tag 28.Alternatively, the listing 58 may be separately retrieved via a databasequery using the video content identifier 30. A content provider of thevideo signal, for example, may configure the video signal toself-identify the alternate audio sources. The video signal may includeinformation that identifies a website or server address that provides analternate language track or a different dialog. The content provider mayidentify radio stations providing different announcers for a footballgame, political convention, or background music. Again, whatever thealternate audio sources, the listing 58 may be embedded or encodedwithin the video signal and/or the alternate audio tag 28.

The user's electronic device 20 receives the alternate audio tag 28. Thepresence of the alternate audio tag 28 again notifies the alternateaudio application 34 that alternate audio sources may exist for thevideo signal. The alternate audio application 34 may visually and/oraudibly present the listing 58 already received from the video signal(Step 82). The user may select an alternate audio source from thelisting 58, and the alternate audio application 34 receives thatselection (Step 84). The alternate audio application 34 sends the audioquery to the source of the selected alternate audio source (e.g., anaudio server 86) (Step 88). The audio server 86 sends the separate audiosignal (Step 90). The user's electronic device 20 thus receives thevideo signal and also receives the separate, audio signal. The user'selectronic device 20 then processes the video signal and the audiosignal for visual and audible presentation (Step 92).

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustrating additional queries for alternateaudio sources, according to more exemplary embodiments. Because FIG. 4is similar to FIGS. 2 and 3, FIG. 4 is only briefly described. When thevideo signal is received (Step 100), the video signal may also includethe alternate audio tag and the listing of alternate audio sources. Thelisting of alternate audio sources is presented to the user (Step 102).Here, even though the content provider may embed or provide the listingof alternate audio sources, the user may still wish to query for otheralternate audio sources. The alternate audio sources identified in thelisting, for example, may not appeal to the user. The user may, instead,wish to conduct a search for additional alternate audio sources notidentified in the listing. The alternate audio application 34, then, mayprompt to search for alternate audio sources, despite the listing (Step104). When the user affirmatively responds to the prompt, the alternateaudio application 34 is authorized to query for additional alternateaudio sources. The alternate audio application 34 calls or invokes thesearch application 50 and sends the query for any alternate audiosources associated with the video content identifier (Step 106). Aresponse to the query is received (Step 108), and the query resultdescribes more alternate audio sources that may correspond to the samevideo content identifier.

The alternate audio sources are then presented (Step 110). The user mayselect any alternate audio source from the listing or from the queryresult. The user's selection is received (Step 112) and the audio queryis sent to the source (e.g., the audio server 86) (Step 114). Theseparate audio signal is received (Step 116) and processed along withthe video signal (Step 118).

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustrating a user interface for retrievingalternate audio sources, according to more exemplary embodiments.According to exemplary embodiments, the alternate audio application 34causes the processor 32 to graphically present a user interface 130 onthe display device 40. When the video signal 22 includes the listing 58,the user interface 130 may present the listing 58 to the user. The useris thus informed of alternate audio sources embedded or encoded withinthe video signal 22. The user, however, may wish to search foradditional alternate audio sources not identified in the listing 58. Theuser interface 130, then, may include the control 42 to search foradditional audio sources. When the user selects the control 42, thealternate audio application 34 may invoke the search application(illustrated as reference numeral 50 in FIGS. 2-4) and query foralternate audio sources associated with the video content identifier 30.When the search results are received, the user interface 130 mayvisually present those additional audio sources 134. The user may thenselect a desired alternate audio source from the alternate audio sourcesprovided by the listing 58 and/or from the additional alternate audiosources found by invoking the search application 50. The desiredalternate audio source is retrieved and processed.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustrating synchronization of signals, accordingto more exemplary embodiments. Now that the user has selected analternate audio source, the user's electronic device 20 may receive thevideo signal 22 and the separate audio signal 140. The video signal 22may communicate from the video server 26 via the communications network24. According to exemplary embodiments, the separate audio signal 140communicates from a separate source, such as the audio server 86. Thevideo signal 22 and/or the audio signal 140 may be unicast, multicast,or broadcast to the electronic device 20. The video signal 22 and theaudio signal 140 may thus be separately received as separate streams ofdata.

The audio signal 140 and the video signal 22 may need synchronization.When the audio signal 140 and the video signal 22 correspond to the samecontent, propagation delays in the communications network 24 may causethe video signal 22 and/or the audio signal 140 to lead or lag. Thevideo signal 22, for example, may contain more bits or information thanthe audio signal 140, so the video signal 22 may propagate more slowlythrough the communications network 24. Whatever the causes, though, theaudio signal 140 and the video signal 22 may be unsynchronized. When theaudio signal 140 and the video signal 22 correspond to the same content,then the audio portion of the content may be out-of-synchronization withthe video portion. The electronic device 20, then, may synchronize theaudio signal 140 and the video signal 22 to help ensure the content isenjoyed as intended.

A synchronizer 142 may be invoked. The synchronizer 142 may be acomponent of the electronic device 20 that causes synchronization of theaudio signal 140 and the video signal 22. As later paragraphs willexplain, the synchronizer 142 may be circuitry, programming, or both.The synchronizer 142, for example, may compare time stamps and/ormarkers. As FIG. 6 illustrates, the video signal 22 may include one ormore video time stamps 144. The video time stamps 144 mark or measure anamount of time from a reference point or time. The video time stamps144, for example, may signify an offset time from the start of a file,program, or the video signal 22. Some or all frames in the video signal22 may have corresponding time stamps that measure when a frame occurswith reference to the start of the file, program, or the video signal22.

The electronic device 20 may also receive audio time stamps 146. Whenthe audio signal 140 is received, the audio time stamps 146 may beencoded within the audio signal 140. The audio time stamps 146 mark ormeasure an amount of time from a reference point or time. The audio timestamps 146 may signify an offset time from the start of a file, program,or the audio signal 140. The audio time stamps 146 mark or measure whenportions of the audio signal 140 occur with reference to the start ofthe file, program, or the audio signal 140.

The synchronizer 142 may compare the audio time stamps 146 to the videotime stamps 144. When a currently-received audio time stamp 148 exceedsa currently-received video time stamp 150, then the synchronizer 142 maydelay the audio signal 140. The synchronizer 142 may subtract thecurrently-received video time stamp 150 from the currently-receivedaudio time stamp 148. That difference is compared to a threshold time152. The threshold time 152 is any configurable time at which timing lag(or lead) in the video signal 22 is unacceptable. When the differencebetween the currently-received audio time stamp 148 and thecurrently-received video time stamp 150 equals and/or exceeds thethreshold time 152, then the synchronizer 142 may delay the audio signal140. The synchronizer 142 may even compare the absolute value of thedifference to the threshold time 152. The synchronizer 142 continues tocompare the successively-received audio time stamps 146 to thesuccessively-received video time stamps 144 until the difference iswithin the threshold time 152. The synchronizer 142 then releases adelayed audio signal 154 for subsequent processing. The delayed audiosignal 154, for example, may be processed by processing circuitry 156for audible presentation. The video signal 22 may also be processed bythe processing circuitry 156 for visual presentation. Because the audiosignal 140 has been delayed, though, exemplary embodiments synchronizethe delayed audio signal 154 and the video signal 22 to help ensure thecontent is enjoyed.

The synchronizer 142 may additionally or alternatively utilize markers.The video signal 22 and/or the audio signal 140 may include or beassociated with markers. These markers may or may not be based on timestamps. These markers represent and/or identify an event within thevideo signal 22 and/or the audio signal 140. A marker, for example, mayidentify a scene, a transition, a beginning of a new segment, and/orsome other occurrence in the video signal 22 and/or the audio signal140. For example, a marker may identify a kick-off of a football game, atransition from one scene to another in a movie, or some otheroccurrence. The synchronizer 142 may compare the video signal 22 and/orthe audio signal 140 for similar markers. When a lead condition isdetected, the leading signal may be delayed for synchronization.

Some aspects of synchronization are known, so this disclosure will notgreatly explain the known details. If the reader desires more details,the reader is invited to consult the following sources, all incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety: U.S. Pat. No. 4,313,135 toCooper; U.S. Pat. No. 4,839,733 to Karamon, et al.; U.S. Pat. No.5,055,939 to Karamon, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,202,761 to Cooper; U.S.Pat. No. 5,387,943 to Silver; U.S. Pat. No. 5,440,351 to Ichino; U.S.Pat. No. 5,577,042 to McGraw, Sr., et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,917,557 toToyoda; U.S. Pat. No. 6,263,505 to Walker, et al.; U.S. Pat. No.6,502,142 to Rapaich; U.S. Pat. No. 6,630,963 to Billmaier; U.S. Pat.No. 6,710,815 to Billmaier; U.S. Patent Application Publication2002/0101442 to Costanzo, et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication2003/0086015 to Korhonen, et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication2004/0117825 to Watkins; and U.S. Patent Application Publication2005/0027715 to Casey, et al.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustrating a delay of the video signal 22,according to more exemplary embodiments. Here, for whatever reason, thevideo signal 22 may lead the audio signal 140. That is, when the audiosignal 140 lags the video signal 22, exemplary embodiments may delay thevideo signal 22. The synchronizer 142 may again compare the audio timestamps 146 to the video time stamps 144. When the currently-receivedvideo time stamp 150 exceeds the currently-received audio time stamp148, then the synchronizer 142 may delay the video signal 22. Thesynchronizer 142 may subtract the currently-received audio time stamp148 from the currently-received video time stamp 150 and compare thatdifference to the threshold time 152. When the difference equals and/orexceeds the threshold time 152, then the synchronizer 142 may delay thevideo signal 22. The synchronizer 142 continues to compare thesuccessively-received video time stamps 144 to the successively-receivedaudio time stamps 146 until the difference is within the threshold time152. The synchronizer 142 then releases a delayed video signal 160 forsubsequent processing. The processing circuitry 156 processes the audiosignal 140 and/or the delayed video signal 160 for audible/visualpresentation. The audio signal 140 and the delayed video signal 160 arethus synchronized to help ensure the content is enjoyed.

FIG. 8 is a schematic further illustrating the electronic device 20,according to more exemplary embodiments. Here the synchronizer 142comprises the processor 32, and the processor 32 executes asynchronization application 170. The synchronization application 170 isillustrated as a module or sub-component of the alternate audioapplication 34. The synchronization application 170, however, may be aseparate application that stores in the memory 36 and cooperates withthe alternate audio application 34. The synchronization application 170may even be remotely stored and accessed at some location within thecommunications network (illustrated as reference numeral 24 in FIG. 1).Regardless, the synchronization application 170 comprisesprocessor-executable instructions that determine when synchronization isneeded between the received audio signal 140 and the received videosignal 22, according to exemplary embodiments. When synchronization isneeded, the synchronization application 170 synchronizes the videosignal 22 and the separately-received audio signal 140.

The synchronization application 170 may first determine whensynchronization is desired. When the audio signal 140 and the videosignal 22 correspond to the same content, synchronization may bedesired. If, however, the audio signal 140 and the video signal 22 areunrelated, then perhaps synchronization is unnecessary. Thesynchronization application 170, then, may inspect for contentidentifiers. As FIG. 8 illustrates, when the audio signal 140 isreceived, the audio signal 140 may include an audio content identifier172. The audio content identifier 172 may be any information thatdescribes the audio signal 140. The audio content identifier 172, forexample, may be any identification number, title, code, or otheralphanumeric string that uniquely describes the audio signal 140.Likewise, when the video signal 22 is received, the synchronizationapplication 170 may inspect the video signal 22 for the video contentidentifier 30. The video content identifier 30 may be any identificationnumber, title, code, information, or alphanumeric string that uniquelydescribes the video signal 22.

The synchronization application 170 may then compare the audio contentidentifier 172 to the video content identifier 30. If the audio contentidentifier 172 matches the video content identifier 30, then the audiosignal 140 and the video signal 22 likely correspond to the samecontent. If even some portion of the audio content identifier 172matches the video content identifier 30 (or vice versa), then the audiosignal 140 and the video signal 22 may still correspond to the samecontent. The synchronization application 170 may thus confirm that theaudio signal 140 and the video signal 22 should be synchronized. If thesynchronization application 170 observes no similarity, or aninsubstantial amount of similarity, in the audio content identifier 172and the video content identifier 30, then synchronization application170 may decline to synchronize. Regardless, a user may configure thesynchronization application 170 to start, or to stop, synchronization asneeded, despite dissimilar content identifiers.

Once synchronization is determined to be needed and/or desired, thesynchronization application 170 may ensure the content remains pleasingand enjoyable. The synchronization application 170 reads, extracts, orotherwise obtains the audio time stamps 146 and the video time stamps144 and makes a comparison. Whenever a lead or a lag condition isdetected, the synchronization application 170 may instruct the processor32 to divert the leading signal to a buffer memory 174. The buffermemory 174 may store the leading signal in a first in, first out (FIFO)fashion. As the leading signal accumulates in the buffer memory 174, theleading signal is delayed in comparison to a lagging signal 176. Adelayed signal 178 may then be retrieved from the buffer memory 174 andprocessed by the processing circuitry 156. So, regardless of whether thevideo signal 22 or the audio signal 140 leads, the buffer memory 174 maycause a delay, thus synchronizing the audio and video portions.

FIG. 8 also illustrates user-configuration of the threshold time 152,according to more exemplary embodiments. Because the threshold time 152is configurable, the threshold time 152 may be specified by a user ofthe electronic device 20, according to exemplary embodiments. The userinterface 130, for example, may permit changing or entering thethreshold time 152. The user interface 130 allows the user to alter thethreshold time 152 and, thus, manually set or establish any delay causedby the synchronizer 142. The user interface 130, for example, may have adata field 180 into which the user enters the threshold time 152. Thethreshold time 152 may be expressed in any measurement and/or in anyincrement of time, from zero delay to seconds, minutes, or even hours ofdelay. The user interface 130 may additionally or alternatively includea first timing control 182 for increasing the threshold time 152. Asecond timing control 184 may be used to decrease the threshold time152. The user interface 130 may additionally or alternatively include agraphical or physical rotary knob, slider, button, or any other means ofchanging the threshold time 152.

The threshold time 152 may be specified by a content provider. Aprovider of the video signal 22, for example, may include thresholdinformation 186 within the video signal 22. The threshold information186 is then used to define, derive, or specify the threshold time 152.The threshold information 186, for example, may be embedded or encodedwithin the video signal 22. When the video signal 22 is received,exemplary embodiments may then obtain, read, and/or extract thethreshold information 186. The provider of the video signal 22 may thusspecify the threshold time 152 and determine how much asynchronism istolerable between the video signal 22 and the corresponding (butseparately received) audio signal 140. A content provider, for example,may encode 500 millisecond as the threshold information 186 within thevideo signal 22. When a lead or lag condition exceeds 500 milliseconds,then the synchronization application 170 instructs the processor 32 todelay the audio signal 140, the video signal 22, or both. Similarly, thethreshold information 186 may be embedded or encoded within, ormodulated onto, the audio signal 140, and the synchronizationapplication 170 causes a delay when needed. If the audio signal 140 andthe video signal 22 both include the threshold information 186, then thesynchronization application 170 may have authority to choose one or theother. When the audio signal 140 specifies a first thresholdinformation, while the video signal 22 specifies another, secondthreshold information, then the synchronization application 170 maychoose the smaller value to minimize asynchronous conditions.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustrating another operating environment inwhich exemplary embodiments may be implemented. The electronic device 20again receives the video signal 22 and the separate audio signal 140.Here, however, the video signal 22 and/or the audio signal 140 areterrestrially broadcast at some frequency of any portion of theelectromagnetic spectrum. The audio signal 140, for example, may bewirelessly broadcast from an antenna coupled to the communicationsnetwork 24. The audio signal 140 may be wirelessly transmitted using anysignaling standard (such as the I.E.E.E. 802 family of standards,GSM/CDMA/TDMA or any cellular standard, WI-FI®), and/or the ISM band).The video signal 22, too, may be received via wireless or wiredcommunication. Regardless, the video signal 22 and the audio signal 140may be separately received as separate streams of data.

According to exemplary embodiments, the electronic device 20 includes atleast one wireless receiver. A wireless video receiver 200, for example,couples to an antenna 202 and wirelessly receives the video signal 22 atsome frequency of any portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Awireless audio receiver 204 may couple to another antenna 206 andwirelessly receives the audio signal 140 at some frequency of anyportion of the electromagnetic spectrum. If the audio signal 140 and/orthe video signal 22 is/are modulated, the electronic device 20 mayinclude one or more demodulators 208. If analog or digital conversion isneeded, the electronic device 20 may include an A/D or D/A converter210. If synchronization is needed, the synchronizer 142 delays theleading video signal 22 and/or the audio signal 140. Analog and/ordigital broadcasting techniques and circuitry are well known, so nofurther discussion is made. If, however, the reader desires a furtherexplanation, the reader is invited to consult the following sources,with each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: FERRILLLOSEE, RF SYSTEMS, COMPONENTS, AND CIRCUITS HANDBOOK (1997); LEENAERTSET AL., CIRCUIT DESIGN FOR RF TRANSCEIVERS (2001); JOE CARR, RFCOMPONENTS AND CIRCUITS (2002); WOLFGANG HOEG AND THOMAS LAUTERBACH,DIGITAL AUDIO BROADCASTING (2003); and ANNA RUDIAKOVA AND VLADIMIRKRIZHANOVSKI, ADVANCED DESIGN TECHNIQUES FOR RF POWER AMPLIFIERS (2006).

Exemplary embodiments, as earlier explained, may determine whethersynchronization is desired. For example, the audio content identifier172 is compared to the video content identifier 30. If a partial or fullmatch is found, then a determination may be made that the audio signal140 and the separately-received video signal 22 likely correspond to thesame content. Exemplary embodiments thus confirm that the audio signal140 and the video signal 22 should be synchronized.

Once synchronization is desired, exemplary embodiments may compare timestamps. The audio time stamps 146 are compared to the video time stamps144, as explained above. Whenever a lead or a lag condition is detected,exemplary embodiments implement a delay in the audio signal 140, thevideo signal 22, or both. When, for example, the audio signal 140 isdigital, exemplary embodiments may divert the audio signal 140 to thebuffer memory (shown as reference numeral 174 in FIG. 8). As the digitalaudio signal 140 accumulates in the buffer memory, the audio signal 140is delayed in comparison to the video signal 22. The video signal 22,alternatively or additionally, may similarly be stored in the buffermemory when the video content leads the audio content. Exemplaryembodiments then release the buffered audio signal 140 and/or videosignal 22 when synchronization is achieved.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustrating yet another operating environment inwhich exemplary embodiments may be implemented. Here the electronicdevice 20 is illustrated as a television or set-top receiver 220 thatreceives the video signal 22 and the separate audio signal 140. Thevideo signal may be broadcast along a wireline, cable, and/or satelliteportion of the communications network 24, while the audio signal 140 isseparately and wirelessly received at an RF receiver 222 as aterrestrial broadcast. While the television or set-top receiver 220 mayreceive the audio signal 140 at any frequency of any portion of theelectromagnetic spectrum, here the audio signal 140 is wirelesslyreceived at the radio-frequency portion of the spectrum. The audiosignal 140 may or may not be modulated onto a carrier signal 224. Theaudio signal 140, for example, may be amplitude modulated or frequencymodulated (e.g., AM or FM) onto the carrier signal 224. The audio signal140 may additionally or alternatively be broadcast from a satelliteusing any frequency of any portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, andthe satellite broadcast may or may not be modulated onto the carriersignal 224. Here, then, the electronic device 20 may be an AM-FM realtime television-capable device with broadband capability to wirelesslyreceive television signals and/or RF audio signals. Regardless, theelectronic device 20 may also receive time stamps and contentidentifiers. The electronic device 20 may receive the video time stamps144 and the video content identifier 30 encoded within the video signal22. The electronic device 20 may also receive the audio time stamps 146and the audio content identifier 172. The audio time stamps 146 and theaudio content identifier 172 may be encoded within the audio signal 140and, if desired, modulated onto the carrier signal 224.

Exemplary embodiments may then proceed as discussed above. Thedemodulator 208 may demodulate the audio signal 140, the audio timestamps 146, and/or the audio content identifier 172, from the carriersignal 224. Exemplary embodiments may compare the audio contentidentifier 172 to the video content identifier 30. If a partial or fullmatch is found, then the audio signal 140 and the separately-receivedvideo signal 22 may correspond to the same content and may besynchronized. The audio time stamps 146 may be compared to the videotime stamps 144, as explained above. When a lead or a lag condition isdetected, exemplary embodiments may implement a delay in the audiosignal 140, the video signal 22, or both to synchronize the audio signal140 and the separately-received video signal 22.

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustrating still another operating environmentin which exemplary embodiments may be implemented. Here the video signal22 is received, processed, and presented by a television or computer240, while the audio signal 140 is separately received by an AM/FM radio242. The AM/FM radio 242 includes the RF receiver 222 that wirelesslyreceives the audio signal 140 as a terrestrial broadcast. The user, forexample, may be watching a football game on the television or computer240, yet the user prefers to listen to play-by-play action from radioannouncers. Unfortunately, though, the separately-received audio signal140 may lead the video signal 22 by several seconds. The radioannouncer's commentary, then, is out-of-synchronization with thetelevision video signal 22.

Exemplary embodiments, then, may delay the audio signal 140. The userinterface 130 may be used to establish an amount of delay introduced bythe synchronizer 142. The user interface 130, for example, may begraphical (as illustrated and explained with reference to FIGS. 1, 5,and 8), or the user interface 130 may be a physical knob, slider, orother means for adjusting delay. When the user notices that the audiosignal 140 leads the video signal 22, the user may adjust the userinterface 130 to introduce a delay into the leading audio signal 140.The user refines the delay until the audio signal 140 is synchronized tothe video signal 22.

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustrating another operating environment inwhich exemplary embodiments may be implemented. Here the user hasmultiple electronic devices 20 operating in the user's residence,business, building, or other premise. Some of the electronic devices 20may receive analog signals and some of the electronic devices 20 mayreceive digital signals. Some of the electronic devices 20 may receiveaudio signals and some of the electronic devises 20 may receive videosignals. When all the electronic devices 20 receive signals thatcorrespond to the same content, the user may need to synchronize one ormore of the electronic devices 20. When, for example, all the electronicdevices 20 receive the same football game, any leading or laggingaudio/video signal may be annoying. Exemplary embodiments, then, allowthe user to individually synchronize any of the electronic devices 20for an enjoyable entertainment experience.

As FIG. 12 illustrates, exemplary embodiments may operate in one or moreof the electronic devices 20. An instance of the alternate audioapplication 34, for example, may operate in a computer 260. The computer260 may receive the video signal 22 and the separate audio signal 140from the communications network 24. Another instance of the alternateaudio application 34 may operate in a set-top receiver 262 that alsoreceives the video signal 22 and the separate audio signal 140 from thecommunications network 24. Yet another instance of the alternate audioapplication 34 may operate in an analog television 264 that receives aterrestrially-broadcast analog version 266 of the video signal 22.Another instance of the alternate audio application 34 may operate in adigital television 268 that receives a terrestrially-broadcast standarddefinition or high-definition digital version 270 of the video signal22. More instances of the alternate audio application 34 may evenoperate in a wireless phone 272 and an AM/FM radio 274.

Exemplary embodiments permit synchronization of all these electronicdevices 20. When all the electronic devices 20 receive signals thatcorrespond to the same content, some of the electronic devices 20 maylead or lag, thus producing an unpleasant entertainment experience.Exemplary embodiments, however, allow the user to delay the audio and/orvideo signals received at any of the electronic devices 20. The user maythus synchronize audio and video outputs to ensure the content remainspleasing.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram further illustrating the electronic device20, according to even more exemplary embodiments. When either the audiosignal 140 or the video signal 22 lags, here the synchronizer 142 maydivert a leading signal 300 to a first delay circuit 302. The firstdelay circuit 302 may comprise clocked and/or unclocked circuits orcomponents. If clocked, a reference or clock signal 304 may be receivedat the first delay circuit 302. The leading signal 300 propagatesthrough the first delay circuit 302. As the leading signal 300propagates, delays may be introduced by the first delay circuit 302. Theamount of delay may be determined according to the complexity and/or thenumber of components within the first delay circuit 302. When a delayedsignal 306 emerges from the first delay circuit 302, the delayed signal306 may be synchronized with a lagging signal 308. The delayed signal306 may then be diverted through, or “peeled off” by, a first gatecircuit 310 and sent to the processing circuitry 156 for audiblepresentation.

More delay may be needed. The first delay circuit 302 may introduce apredetermined amount of delay. Suppose, for example, that the firstcircuit introduces twenty milliseconds (20 msec.) of delay in the audiosignal 140. If twenty milliseconds of delay does not satisfy thethreshold time 152, then more delay may be needed. The first gatecircuit 310, then, may feed, or cascade, the delayed signal 306 to asecond delay circuit 312. The second delay circuit 312 introducesadditional delay, depending on its complexity and/or number ofcomponents. If this additional delay is sufficient, then a second gatecircuit 314 diverts an additionally delayed signal 316 to the processingcircuitry 156. If more delay is again needed, the second gate circuit314 may feed or cascade the additionally delayed signal 316 back to thefirst delay circuit 302 for additional delay. According to exemplaryembodiments, the leading signal 300, then, may cascade or race throughthe first delay circuit 302 and through the second delay circuit 312until synchronization is achieved.

FIG. 14 depicts other possible operating environments for additionalaspects of the exemplary embodiments. FIG. 14 illustrates that thealternate audio application 34 and/or the synchronizer 142 mayalternatively or additionally operate within various other devices 400.FIG. 14, for example, illustrates that the alternate audio application34 and/or the synchronizer 142 may entirely or partially operate withina personal/digital video recorder (PVR/DVR) 402, personal digitalassistant (PDA) 404, a Global Positioning System (GPS) device 406, aninteractive television 408, an Internet Protocol (IP) phone 410, a pager412, or any computer system and/or communications device utilizing adigital processor and/or digital signal processor (DP/DSP) 414. Thedevice 400 may also include watches, radios, vehicle electronics,clocks, printers, gateways, and other apparatuses and systems. Becausethe architecture and operating principles of the various devices 400 arewell known, the hardware and software componentry of the various devices400 are not further shown and described. If, however, the reader desiresmore details, the reader is invited to consult the following sources,all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: ANDREWTANENBAUM, COMPUTER NETWORKS (4^(th) edition 2003); WILLIAM STALLINGS,COMPUTER ORGANIZATION AND ARCHITECTURE: DESIGNING FOR PERFORMANCE(7^(th) Ed., 2005); and DAVID A. PATTERSON & JOHN L. HENNESSY, COMPUTERORGANIZATION AND DESIGN: THE HARDWARE/SOFTWARE INTERFACE (3^(rd).Edition 2004); LAWRENCE HARTE et al., GSM SUPERPHONES (1999); SIEGMUNDREDL et al., GSM AND PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS HANDBOOK (1998); andJOACHIM TISAL, GSM CELLULAR RADIO TELEPHONY (1997); the GSM Standard2.17, formally known Subscriber Identity Modules, FunctionalCharacteristics (GSM 02.17 V3.2.0 (1995-01))”; the GSM Standard 11.11,formally known as Specification of the Subscriber Identity Module—MobileEquipment (Subscriber Identity Module—ME) interface (GSM 11.11 V5.3.0(1996-07))”; MICHEAL ROBIN & MICHEL POULIN, DIGITAL TELEVISIONFUNDAMENTALS (2000); JERRY WHITAKER AND BLAIR BENSON, VIDEO ANDTELEVISION ENGINEERING (2003); JERRY WHITAKER, DTV HANDBOOK (2001);JERRY WHITAKER, DTV: THE REVOLUTION IN ELECTRONIC IMAGING (1998); andEDWARD M. SCHWALB, ITV HANDBOOK: TECHNOLOGIES AND STANDARDS (2004).

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method of retrieving audiosignals, according to more exemplary embodiments. A video signal isreceived (Block 500). The video signal may comprise the alternate audiotag 28, the video content identifier 30, the video time stamps 144, thethreshold information 186, and/or the listing 58 of alternate audiosources that correspond to the video signal. In response to thealternate audio tag 28, a query is sent for an alternate audio sourcethat corresponds to the video content identifier (Block 502). A queryresult is received that identifies an audio signal that corresponds tothe video content identifier and that is separately received from thevideo signal (Block 504). A selection is received that selects analternate audio source from the listing and/or from the query result(Block 506). Another query is sent for the alternate audio source (Block508), and a separate audio signal is received (Block 510). The separateaudio signal may comprise the audio content identifier 172, the audiotime stamps 146, and the threshold information 186. The audio timestamps are compared to the video time stamps (Block 512). When an audiotime stamp exceeds a corresponding video time stamp by a threshold time,then the audio signal is delayed until the audio time stamps are withinthe threshold time of the video time stamps (Block 514). When a videotime stamp exceeds a corresponding audio time stamp by the thresholdtime, then the video signal is delayed until the video time stamps arewithin the threshold time of the audio time stamps (Block 516).

Exemplary embodiments may be physically embodied on or in acomputer-readable medium. This computer-readable medium may includeCD-ROM, DVD, tape, cassette, floppy disk, memory card, andlarge-capacity disk (such as IOMEGA®, ZIP®, JAZZ®, and otherlarge-capacity memory products (IOMEGA®, ZIP®, and JAZZ® are registeredtrademarks of Iomega Corporation, 1821 W. Iomega Way, Roy, Utah 84067,www.iomega.com). This computer-readable medium, or media, could bedistributed to end-subscribers, licensees, and assignees. These types ofcomputer-readable media, and other types not mention here but consideredwithin the scope of the exemplary embodiments. A computer programproduct comprises processor-executable instructions for synchronizingaudio and video content.

While the exemplary embodiments have been described with respect tovarious features, aspects, and embodiments, those skilled and unskilledin the art will recognize the exemplary embodiments are not so limited.Other variations, modifications, and alternative embodiments may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the exemplaryembodiments.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of retrieving an audio signal,comprising: receiving a video signal comprising an alternate audio tag,video time stamps, and a first threshold time; querying for alternateaudio sources associated with the alternate audio tag; displaying alisting of the alternate audio sources; receiving a selection of onealternate audio source of the alternate audio sources from the listingof the alternate audio sources; separately receiving the one alternateaudio source comprising audio time stamps and a second threshold time;comparing the audio time stamps to the video time stamps; determiningone of the audio time stamps exceeds a corresponding one of the videotime stamps by a determined threshold time; and delaying the onealternate audio source until the one of the audio time stamps is withinthe smaller one of the first threshold time and the second thresholdtime.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein receiving the onealternate audio source comprises receiving a radio signal.
 3. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein receiving the one alternate audio sourcecomprises receiving a broadcast signal.
 4. The method according to claim1, wherein receiving the one alternate audio source comprises receivinga multicast signal.
 5. The method according to claim 1, whereinreceiving the one alternate audio source comprises receiving a unicastsignal.
 6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising receivinga website as the alternate audio tag.
 7. The method according to claim1, further comprising receiving a server address as the alternate audiotag.
 8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising receiving afrequency as the alternate audio tag.
 9. A system, comprising: aprocessor; and a memory storing code that when executed causes theprocessor to perform operations, the operations comprising: receiving avideo signal comprising an alternate audio tag, video time stamps, and afirst threshold time; querying for alternate audio sources associatedwith the alternate audio tag; displaying a listing of the alternateaudio sources; receiving a selection of one alternate audio source fromthe listing of the alternate audio sources; separately receiving the onealternate audio source comprising audio time stamps and a secondthreshold time; comparing the audio time stamps to the video timestamps; determining one of the audio time stamps exceeds a correspondingone of the video time stamps by a determined threshold time; anddelaying the one alternate audio source until the one of the audio timestamps is within the smaller one of the first threshold time and thesecond threshold time.
 10. The system according to claim 9, wherein theoperations further comprise receiving a radio signal.
 11. The systemaccording to claim 9, wherein the operations further comprise receivinga broadcast signal.
 12. The system according to claim 9, wherein theoperations further comprise receiving a multicast signal.
 13. The systemaccording to claim 9, wherein the operations further comprise receivinga unicast signal.
 14. The system according to claim 9, wherein theoperations further comprise receiving a website as the alternate audiotag.
 15. The system according to claim 9, wherein the operations furthercomprise receiving a server address as the alternate audio tag.
 16. Thesystem according to claim 9, wherein the operations further comprisereceiving a frequency as the alternate audio tag.
 17. A memory storinginstructions that when executed cause a processor to perform operations,the operations comprising: receiving a video signal comprising analternate audio tag, video time stamps, and a first threshold time;querying for alternate audio sources associated with the alternate audiotag; displaying a listing of the alternate audio sources; receiving aselection of one alternate audio source from the listing of thealternate audio sources; separately receiving the one alternate audiosource comprising audio time stamps and a second threshold time;comparing the audio time stamps to the video time stamps; determiningone of the audio time stamps exceeds a corresponding one of the videotime stamps by a determined threshold time; and delaying the onealternate audio source until the one of the audio time stamps is withinthe smaller one of the first threshold time and the second thresholdtime.
 18. The memory of claim 17, wherein the operations furthercomprise receiving a radio signal as the one alternate audio source. 19.The memory of claim 17, wherein the operations further comprisereceiving a server address as the alternate audio tag.
 20. The memory ofclaim 17, wherein the operations further comprise receiving a videocontent identifier describing video content in the video signal.